Hardwood plant cuttings blew my mind (gardening)

Softwood/new growth cuttings always die for me. Virginia creeper, bleeding heart, paulownia...they all died. Only English ivy survived. Oh, and pothos.

Last September, I just HAD to have a cutting from my sister's Black Knight buddleia (butterfly bush.) I took 6, and once home, trawled the internet on how to keep them alive. As it was fall, they were woody.

Well, my friends, I found THIS: How to grow hardwood cuttings -Empress of Dirt

1. Take cutting
2. Stick in dirt.
3. Wait a year.

Rooting hormone is recommended, but I didn't have any. Temps should be in the 50s-60s.

Guess what. In October, I discovered that cuttings are doing GREAT. Took one out, and yep, rooted like a pro. They're out in the cold frame now, still have leaves.

Took a bunch of cuttings from native species in the woods on private land. Fingers crossed.

Now go forth, and propagate free plants to your heart's content.

that sounds so cool, im going to try it indoors

a reply to: TimHeller

Do you have a particular plant in mind?

I thought hardwood trees were like coniferous trees; when a cutting roots it doesn't turn into a tree, only a branch.

a reply to: FlyingFox

I thought hardwoods were a no go, too. It's like a miracle that they root.

a reply to: Look2theSacredHeart

Congrats! That's really cool. I've seen the Black Knight and its really stunning. Lucky you

I've read about propagating roses -- and most plants -- by sticking a fresh cut branch of new growth into a potato and then planting it all in soil. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm inspired to try now -- thank you! I have a gorgeous red rose that I'd love to multiply. Its a perfect red with huge blooms and petals that you'd swear were velvet. And it's my most prolific bloomer by far. I have no idea where I'd put it, but I'll figure it out...